King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:10 in the King James Version says “And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will rep...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.”

Deuteronomy 7:10 · KJV

Context

8

But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

9

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

11

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: if: Heb. because

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's righteous judgment balances His covenant mercy. 'Repayeth them that hate him to their face' (meshalleim leson'av el-panav) means swift, direct, personal judgment. The phrase 'to their face' emphasizes that God's justice is neither delayed nor indirect—He confronts rebellion openly. 'He will not be slack' (lo ye'acher) means God doesn't procrastinate in judgment. This vindicates God's holy character—He cannot overlook sin. The Hebrew parallelism (repeating 'to their face' and 'repay') emphasizes certainty and immediacy. This is the flip side of election: those who persist in hating God receive judgment. Romans 2:5-6 affirms this principle: God 'will render to every man according to his deeds.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history demonstrates this principle repeatedly. Those who 'hated' God (rebelled against His covenant) faced immediate judgment: Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), Achan's theft (Joshua 7), Uzzah's irreverence (2 Samuel 6:7). The Canaanite nations received judgment 'to their face' through Israel's conquest. The northern kingdom's persistent idolatry led to Assyrian exile (722 BC); Judah's apostasy resulted in Babylonian captivity (586 BC). God's judgment, though patient, arrives with certainty.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's certain judgment against sin deepen your appreciation for Christ bearing that judgment for you?
  2. What attitudes or actions in your life might indicate 'hating God' rather than loving Him?
  3. How should God's immediate judgment of rebellion shape your urgency in repentance and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
יְשַׁלֶּם1 of 12

“And repayeth”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

לְשֹׂ֣נְא֔וֹ2 of 12

“them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פָּנָ֖יו4 of 12

“him to his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לְהַֽאֲבִיד֑וֹ5 of 12

“to destroy”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

לֹ֤א6 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְאַחֵר֙7 of 12

“them he will not be slack”

H309

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

לְשֹׂ֣נְא֔וֹ8 of 12

“them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אֶל9 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פָּנָ֖יו10 of 12

“him to his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְשַׁלֶּם11 of 12

“And repayeth”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

לֽוֹ׃12 of 12
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 7:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:18Nahum 1:2Romans 12:19John 15:23-24Deuteronomy 7:9Deuteronomy 32:35

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